The Song of Roland King Charlemagne was king of the Franks in the area of France around 800 A. D. During the rule of King Charlemagne, a young, brave knight named Roland served France. Roland was courageous and loyal to his king. Ganelon, Roland's stepfather, also served the king. Ganelon was jealous and feared his stepson Roland would attract the king's favor. When the king's army was returning to France after defeating the Moors in Spain, Charlemagne asked that one of his knights go to the Moors and serve as his ambassador. Roland volunteered his stepfather's aid. Ganelon became angry, believing that Roland was trying to get rid of him for good. As a result, Ganelon made a deal with the Moors to ambush King Charlemagne's army. As the king led his army back to France, he left a small group of knights to guard his retreat. Roland led them. The Moors, allied with Ganelon, attacked the knights. Roland and his knights fought bravely. His men encouraged him to sound his horn to warn King Charlemagne, but Roland refused. He knew if the king came to save them that the king might be killed as well. It was important to Roland as a loyal servant to the king that Charlemagne's army makes its safe retreat. Roland and his knights fought valiantly but were defeated. Even though they gave their lives, they were successful in their mission. Charlemagne was able to retreat to France. When Charlemagne learned what had happened, he was outraged. He returned to Spain with a large army and conquered the Moorish fortress. He punished the traitor Ganelon and honored Roland and his knights with a famous ballad known as "The Song of Roland," which was sung for many centuries.